Mothercare has returned to sales growth as Simon Calver’s turnaround plan for the struggling retailer gains momentum.

Like-for-like store sales rose by 0.3 per cent in the 13 weeks to October 13, compared with a 6.7 per cent fall in the previous quarter, while online sales also returned to growth with an 11 per cent increase. However, UK sales were still down 3.4 per cent for the first half overall.

Mr Calver, who joined in April from Lovefilm, said Mothercare was focusing on what customers wanted from its 203 Mothercare and 77 Early Learning Centres in Britain.